SOSpenders Corp. of Fruitland, Idaho, is recalling approximately 7,200 automatic inflatable PFDs suspected of having faulty inflation devices. During in-house quality-control testing, the company discovered that 300 units of a lot of 500 failed to operate properly because their inflation devices (Hammar units) had been incorrectly loaded. In an effort to ensure the safety of customers who own the life vests, the company has decided to recall all Hammar-equipped products for a 100 percent safety inspection.
SOSpenders Corp. manufactures a wide range of personal floatation devices that are approved for use by the U.S. Coast Guard. This recall includes all products branded under their Millennium label. Many of these products were sold during March 2002 and August 2002 by West Marine. The manufacturer says that consumers should stop using the PFDs immediately and return them to SOSpenders Corp. as soon as possible for inspection and replacement of defective inflation devices.
For return information and product identification, refer to the company's website at www.sospenders.com. Consumers may also call customer service at 800-858-5876 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.